7 Must Have Investment Pieces for Your Baby Registry

Every new parent stresses about what items should be on their baby registry. What are you forgetting to add? Parents-to-be scour the internet. They question more experienced friends and family endlessly to make sure they include all the must have items for a baby registry AND that they have a broad range of budget-friendly items.

But realistically, there are the “normal” registry items and then there are those true must have gems for your baby registry. Those items that may be a bit of an investment but will stand the test of time.

7 Investment Pieces You Must Have on Your Baby Registry

At Forever Freckled, we love sharing the our favorite finds with you.

So this holiday season, we want to give a little gift to new parents that will truly be meaningful and helpful. So today, we are  focusing on the investment pieces every parent-to-be needs.

These must have items for your baby registry are 100% worth the splurge!

#1 Cord Blood Banking

There is nothing like giving the gift of health and having peace of mind.

As a pediatrician, I feel like cord blood banking is truly one of the best gifts you can give to expecting parents. We have a small, crucial time right after babies are born to collect stem cells. These precious cells can potentially save lives and cure chronic diseases in the future.

What exactly is this gift, though?

What is cord blood?

Cord blood is the blood that is within your baby’s umbilical cord. After the umbilical cord is cut, the blood stored in the placenta and cord is no longer needed by your infant but still contains valuable blood products, most importantly the stem cells.

Young stem cells have the ability to renew themselves and become specialized.

If your child develops a specific life-threatening disease, these immature cells can potentially be used as a treatment. As a treatment, stem cells are introduced into the body in the hopes of replacing damaged blood cells with new healthy ones.

What is cord tissue?

Cord tissue is the tissue in the umbilical cord. The stem cells from the tissue are different from the stem cells found in the cord blood. These tissue cells have the potential to treat medical conditions affecting cartilage, muscles, and nerve cells.

There is promising research that these cells will be helpful in the treatment of lung injury, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, bone injury, rheumatoid Arthritis, cartilage injury, and liver disease!

Can family members use the cord blood and tissue cells?

Yes!

There would be extensive testing to ensure a sibling or immediate family member is a match. But once confirmed, the cells can potentially be used for siblings and/or parents.

It’s also possible that cord tissue cells may be used by extended family (aunts, uncles, and grandparents) too!

These cells are genetically unique. Baby is a 100% match to their own stem cells. And full siblings have a 75% chance of being at least a partial match.

Cord blood banking is a gift not only for your baby, but potentially for other family members, if needed.

How much does cord blood banking cost?

Banking your baby’s cord blood and tissue is an investment. The great thing is that you can now add cord blood banking to your baby registry!

Here’s How in 5 Easy Steps:

1. Enroll with CBR online or call to speak with a specialist. (Tip: It’s recommended to complete this step by 32 weeks pregnant!)
2. CBR ships you a collection kit.
3. Bring your kit to the hospital on your big day.
4. After your baby is born and the cord blood has been collected by your healthcare professional, call the medical courier to pick up the kit.
5. CBR handles the rest and will notify you when the kit has been received.

#2 Doona

Sometime after I had my 2nd child, the Doona was born. It’s basically a carseat that converts to a stroller with just the touch of a button.

Until you’ve gone the “normal” route, you may not realize what a big deal this is. But trust me…it’s a big deal!

Wheels magically drop down, and VOILA, you have a stroller. I cant even begin to explain how much easier and simpler my life would have been if I had purchased this gadget with Leo.

It really is the best investment you can make and most certainly the most convenient carseat on the market. The handle for the stroller also extends to make it easier to push around.

The Doona is great for any new parent, but it’s a must have with more than one kiddo. Such a great investment!

#3 A Good Breast Pump

If you are planning on breastfeeding or pumping, I highly recommend getting a good quality breast pump.

There are so many excellent options on the market now. They even have options to be completely hands free with a pump that stays in your bra, like the Willow or Elvie. A hands-free option is amazing for moms on the go or moms working from home.

I personally loved my Medela Sonata. I tried a couple of different options until I decided on this one. The best part about this pump is all of the smart features! It delivers your information directly to your smartphone via Bluetooth, meaning it collects all the data on your pumping sessions and has real time tracking of your baby’s growth! It also gives you unlimited access to important lactation information and personalized content designed to help you reach your breastfeeding goals.

I am a major believer in pumping, so Dad can get in there and help with the feedings!

#4 Lovevery Kits

Lovevery Kits are an incredible investment and such a great gift if someone needs to buy you a baby present. These kits are subscription-based toys created for babies and toddlers depending on where they are in their stage of life.

Yes, they are a bit on the pricier side, but it’s worth it. You’ll enjoy less clutter around your home with specific toys that you know will be beneficial to your child’s developmental needs.

Plus, who doesn’t love getting surprise mail every month?!

#5 HAPP Diaper Bag

The HAPP diaper bag is my favorite diaper bag ever!

When it comes to a diaper bag you really want to focus on one that is durable and has a lot of pockets! Another great tip is to make sure your diaper bag is wearable hands free and attaches to your stroller.

The HAPP diaper bag does all of these things and more!

I also love how easy it is to wipe off when you have a mess. The backpack feature was one of the biggest selling points for me! It also has great side pockets and so many areas to store all your baby gear.

#6 4moms Playard

I can’t say enough about the 4moms Playard.

A playard is a must have item on any baby registry. You need one with enough space and one that is easy to set up. A lot of the playards on the market aren’t large enough for your child to grow into once you need them for vacation/sleeping on trips.

Because we used a 4moms Playard, we used ours for both!

I also loved using it when my babies were old enough to sit up and play with toys in a safe environment. Mommy can have a moment to work on a few things while baby is safe! And it is also large enough for babies and toddler to sleep in all night.

Putting the 4moms Playard together is leaps and bounds easier than any other playard on the market – I can promise you that, as I have tried many!

#7 Baby Bjorn Bouncer

Maybe it’s the amazing fabric or the subtle bounce. Or maybe it’s the ease of slipping baby in and out, but I love this Baby Bjorn Bouncer!

I put this chair on my list of must have baby registry items because I needed something lightweight to throw in the car when heading to Grandma’s house.

It’s also a great tool to keep in the bathroom while taking a shower or getting ready. It’s even just a great spot for the baby to chill when playing. It even comes with a toy bar attachment to keep your baby entertained!

It’s such a good place to keep baby safe and convenient to move around the house, unlike some other seats and swings.

Final Thoughts on Must Have Items for Your Baby Registry

Whether you’re talking about investing in your baby’s future with CBR online or just investing in your own sanity throughout the day, these pieces are must-haves for any new parents.

Investing in expensive items for you and your new bundle of joy may not be something you can handle on your own. And that’s why these are definitely items to add to your baby registry!

Family and friends will know you are working toward pieces that will serve you and your baby for years to come!